The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission is accepting applications for 2013 Phoenix Awards. For the past 17 years, these awards have recognized the achievements of Lawrence residents working in the visual, literary, musical, theatrical and media arts.

The deadline to enter nominations is Aug. 30. Winners will be announced this fall.

This year, a new category, “Creative Spaces,” will highlight a public place or business that has a design or function that advances the artistic environment of the community. These places must be environmentally forward-thinking.

Art educators, administrators, advocates and volunteers will also be recognized.

Out of the pool of nominees, one may be chosen for a special Exceptional Artistic Achievement award. This title has been given out 13 times in the past 17 years.

Prior winners may be considered, but preference will be given to those who have not received a Phoenix Award before.

Those entering nominations must write one to two pages about why the nominee deserves the award, the depth of the nominee’s artistic or art-related activities and a description of the contributions that the nominee has made to the arts in the community.

A one-page letter from someone well-acquainted with the nominee’s work also must be included, in addition to a one-page resume of the nominee’s achievements and three supporting documents (newspaper articles, CDs, websites, letters or reviews).